CT All Stars sweat for points
Cape Town All Stars fought hard to earn a 1-0 victory over the newcomers, Tshakhuma Tshakhuma Tshamadzivhandila (TTM), in their National First Division(NFD) match at Thohoyandou Stadium on Sunday.
LIMPOPO – TTM had nobody else to blame for the defeat but themselves. They squandered countless scoring opportunities throughout the game. Their lethal striker, Mohammed Khan, could not live up to the fans’ expectations as a scoring machine as he was tightly marked.
Realising that life was difficult for him as a striker, Khan moved back and played as a midfielder, but that did not assist his team as the opponents kept a watchful eye on him at all times.
The keeper of Stars, Ludwe Mpakumpaku, made his presence felt in the 19th minute. Mpakumpaku did the unexpected by braving Mpambaniso Monde’s close-range volley and palmed the ball away for a corner kick.
The game turned lukewarm for five minutes as the teams were studying each other.
TTM started to launch more attacks from the middle of the park soon afterwards.
Lionel Saal of Stars was booked for a late tackle on Eethe Khaukanani three minutes before the half-time whistle. The halftime score was 1-0 in favour of Stars.
The second half saw Stars commit even more blunders. Their right winger, Ntshuxeko Ndlovu, caused an upset in the 50th minute by unleashing aimlessly from inside the box instead of relaxing on the ball and picking the spot.
Both sides effected some changes to their starting line-ups in the last half. TTM replaced Bongani Nyathi and Nhlakanipho Khumalo with Khunadi Nkoane and Katlego Molomo respectively.
Mohammed Khan of TTM was also warned with a card for dangerous play on Aiden Jenniker in the 70th minute.
